Rutherford County public meetings in 2023

Social Services Board

The board will introduce a new member and discuss officer considerations for January. The meeting includes reviews of the November 2023 financial, budget, and service reports. Program updates for social work and economic services are also scheduled as information-only items.

• Introduction of a new board member
• Review of November 2023 financial report
• Budget discussion
• Personnel report review
• Program updates for social work and economic services

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a meeting including elections for Chairman and Vice Chairman. The agenda includes public hearings on fire protection service districts and several new business items regarding property, budgets, and health district fees.

• Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman
• Public hearing on Fire Protection Service Districts
• Exchange of real estate involving LaBreche Fairgrounds land swap contract
• Resolution to support Farmland Preservation Pilot Program Grant
• Foothills Health District Environmental Health fee changes

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will review financial, service, and personnel reports from October 2023. The meeting also includes program updates regarding Medicaid expansion and Senate Bill 625.

• October 2023 Financial Report
• October 2023 Service Report
• Medicaid Expansion Report
• Dogwood Health Trust Grant Notification
• Senate Bill 625 updates

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider budget amendments and several interlocal agreements. The agenda includes appointments to various county boards and commissions and a resolution supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans.

• Budget Amendments
• Operation Green Light resolution
• Foothills NC Home Consortium Memorandum of Understanding
• Interlocal Agreement between Foothills Health District and Rutherford County
• Blue Ridge Community Action Community Service Block Grant Application

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will discuss a budget amendment for a new Jet-A fuel truck and the surplus of a 1987 Chevrolet truck. The board will also review agreements regarding airport maintenance and flight tracking services.

• Budget amendment to purchase a new Jet-A fuel truck
• Surplus request for a 1987 Chevrolet 2200 gallon Jet-A truck
• Letter of agreement for airport safety and maintenance projects
• Service agreement with 1200.aero for flight tracking services
• NCDOA funding agreement for aircraft operations data services

Social Services Board

The Rutherford County Social Services Board will review September 2023 financial and service reports. The meeting includes program updates regarding Medicaid expansion.

• Budget discussion and September 2023 financial report
• Medicaid expansion updates and educational materials
• September 2023 service report
• Personnel report from September 17, 2023

Board of Commissioners

The Board will hold public hearings regarding grants for transportation services and for elderly individuals and people with disabilities. The agenda also includes reviewing October budget amendments and several appointments to local boards. Commissioners will also receive the annual report from the Community Child Protection/Child Fatality Prevention Team.

• Public hearing: Grant for Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities
• Public hearing: Grant for Transportation Services
• October 2023 budget amendments
• Appointments to Planning Commission and Transit Advisory Board
• Annual EMS debt reconciliation

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will review the August 2023 financial and service reports. The meeting includes discussions on the budget, Medicaid expansion, and the FY 2022-2023 Annual Report.

• Budget Discussion
• Financial Report - August 2023
• Service Report - August 2023
• Medicaid Expansion Report - July-August 2023
• DSS Annual Report for FY 2022-2023

Board of Commissioners

The Board will consider several items including budget amendments and a contract with Invoice Cloud. The agenda also includes appointments to the Airport Appeals Board and the North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Committee.

• Animal Adoption Center Change Order No. 1
• September 2023 Budget Amendments
• Contract with Invoice Cloud
• Appointments to Airport Appeals Board
• Appointments to North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Committee

The Board approved a budget increase for the Animal Adoption Center due to unsuitable soil at the site. Other actions included approving budget amendments, a new electronic payment contract, and several board appointments.

• Approved $416,041 change order for Animal Adoption Center construction (5-0)
• Approved contract with Invoice Cloud for electronic bill payment platform (5-0)
• Approved September 2023 budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved appointments to Airport Appeals Board (5-0)
• Approved revision to SEC Continuous Disclosure Policy (5-0)
• Approved motion to advertise vacancies for NC Arts Council Grassroots Committee (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including August 7 minutes and September tax refunds (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will review the July 2023 financial report and receive informational updates. The board will also consider approving the minutes from the May 1, 2023, meeting.

• Approval of May 1, 2023, meeting minutes
• Review of July 2023 airport financial report
• Informational updates

Social Services Board

The Rutherford County Social Services Board will discuss the budget and review financial and service reports from July 2023. The agenda also includes updates regarding social work and economic services programs.

• Budget discussion and July 2023 financial report review
• July 2023 service report review
• Personnel report from July 23, 2023
• Social work and economic services program updates

The Board approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes. Members discussed budget adjustments for vehicle insurance and received updates on Medicaid expansion recruiting and a grant-funded housing project.

• Adopted the agenda (3-0)
• Adopted the minutes (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider project ordinances for American Rescue Plan enabled projects and a contract with Green Zone Recycling. The meeting also includes an update on the 145 College Avenue property and resolutions regarding surplus school property. Additionally, the Board will review appointments to the Airport Appeals Board.

• Project Ordinances for 2022 American Rescue Plan (ARPA) enabled projects
• Contract with Green Zone Recycling
• Resolution declining to acquire surplus school property
• Update on 145 College Avenue property
• Resolution supporting Foothills RPO prioritization submittals

The Board of Commissioners approved the meeting agenda. The remainder of the session consisted of a detailed report from Chairman King regarding county budget allocations, public safety funding, and the financial constraints facing the county.

• Approved the agenda (5-0)

Social Services Board

The board will conduct a budget discussion and review the June 2023 financial report. The meeting also includes reviews of the 2022-2023 DSS staff turnover report and the June 2023 service report.

• Budget discussion and June 2023 financial report
• 2022-2023 DSS staff turnover report
• June 2023 service report
• Personnel report from June 25, 2023
• Program updates for social work and economic services

The Board approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes. Members reviewed personnel, turnover, budget, and service reports without taking further action on those items. The meeting included updates on Medicaid expansion staffing and a grant-funded housing project.

• Adopted the Agenda (5-0)
• Adopted the Minutes (5-0)
• Entered Closed Session (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding the acquisition, construction, and equipping of the Board of Education’s Transportation and Maintenance Facility. Other agenda items include budget amendments, tax collection reports, and resolutions for sheriff's department equipment.

• Public hearing on school transportation and maintenance facility contract
• Resolution for abandonment of Steward Street in Spindale
• Budget amendments
• Approval for destruction of 150 road signs
• Tax collection settlement report

The Board approved a project ordinance and financing contract with JP Morgan Chase for a new Board of Education Transportation and Maintenance Facility. The project will cost $16.1 million and include ten bays, a storage area, and an administrative area. Other actions included appointing board members and approving a road abandonment request for the Town of Spindale.

• Approved $16.1M project ordinance for School Transportation and Maintenance Facility (5-0)
• Approved 10-year financing contract with JP Morgan Chase at 3.61% (5-0)
• Approved abandonment of Steward Street to the Town of Spindale (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved resolution for vehicle and equipment reimbursement (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Benfield as Voting Delegate to 2023 NCACC Annual Conference (5-0)
• Appointed Vice Chairman Toney as Alternate Voting Delegate to 2023 NCACC Annual Conference (5-0)
• Appointed Jill Miracle to Transit Advisory Board and Amy Galla to Workforce Development Board (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution regarding the Cliffside Sanitary District. The proposal seeks to schedule elections for the Sanitary District Board at the same time and year as county officer elections.

• Resolution to align Cliffside Sanitary District Board elections with county officer elections

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to align Cliffside Sanitary District Board elections with county officer elections. This change moves the elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years to avoid county expenses.

• Approved resolution RES 23-021 to hold Cliffside Sanitary District Board elections during even-numbered years (4-0)

Social Services Board

The board will review May 2023 financial and service reports. Discussions include Medicaid expansion information and licensing requirements for a potential home on DSS property to house children awaiting placement.

• Licensing for potential home on DSS property for children awaiting placement
• Medicaid Expansion Information Packet
• May 2023 Financial Report
• May 2023 Service Report
• Performance Improvement Plan update

The board approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes. Members discussed personnel reports, budget items, and the implementation of a new complaint form process effective July 1. No other substantive policy decisions were recorded.

• Approved the Agenda (5-0)
• Approved the Minutes (5-0)
• Approved motion to enter Closed Session (5-0)
• Approved motion to Adjourn (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board is meeting to discuss budget adoption for fiscal year 2023-24. This includes reviewing a draft budget ordinance and a proposed budget ordinance for the Cliffside Sanitary District.

• FY23-24 Budget Ordinance draft
• Cliffside Sanitary District Proposed Budget Ordinance

The Board approved the recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, which includes a general fund appropriation of $76,968,817. The budget sets the ad valorem property tax rate at $0.454 per $100 of assessed value.

• Adopted FY 2023-2024 budget (4-1)
• Levied ad valorem property tax at $0.454 per $100 of assessed value
• Approved General Fund revenues and appropriations of $76,968,817
• Approved agenda (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding the FY 2023-2024 budget. The agenda also includes discussions on budget amendments and bids for an animal control facility project. Additionally, the board will consider resolutions related to building access policies and naming a firearms training facility.

• Public hearing for the FY 2023-2024 budget
• Resolution naming the county firing range as P.J. Byers Firearms Training Facility
• Request for proposal for vehicles and associated equipment
• Animal Control Facility Project bids
• Second Amendment to Transportation and Disposal Agreement

The Board conducted a public hearing regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget, which includes a total budget for all funds of $101,387,083. The proposal recommends reducing the tax rate from 59.7 to 45.4. No final vote on the budget was recorded in these minutes.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The meeting includes a budget workshop identified as ID 23-3465A. The agenda also includes the approval of the meeting agenda.

• Budget Workshop ID 23-3465A

The Board of Commissioners held a budget workshop to discuss the recommended Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget and education funding. No funding increases were approved, and a scheduled follow-up workshop was canceled.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Canceled the budget workshop scheduled for the following evening
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will conduct a budget discussion and review financial and service reports from April 2023. The meeting also includes updates on social work and economic services programs.

• Budget discussion
• April 2023 financial report
• April 2023 service report
• Personnel report review
• Social work and economic services program updates

The Board approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes. The session primarily consisted of reports on personnel hiring, budget status, and updates regarding child custody and Medicaid expansion.

• Adopted the Agenda (3-0)
• Adopted the Minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners held a budget workshop to review a proposed total budget of $101,387,083. The session involved discussions on tax rate reductions, staff cost-of-living adjustments, and funding for schools and infrastructure. No formal votes were taken on the budget proposals during this meeting.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will conduct a public hearing for a Library Ordinance and present the 2023-2024 budget. The agenda includes budget amendments for Isothermal security video replacement and the Farmland Preservation Plan. The Board will also review Juvenile Crime Prevention Council funding allocations.

• Public Hearing: Library Ordinance
• 2023-2024 Budget Presentation
• Isothermal Security Video system replacement budget amendment
• Farmland Preservation Plan presentation
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council funding allocation

The Board of Commissioners approved a revised Library Ordinance and adopted the Rutherford County Farmland Preservation Plan. They also approved budget amendments and a $75,500 audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group, PA. A proposed 2023-2024 budget of $101,387,083 was presented, including a proposed tax rate reduction from 59.7 to 45.4 cents.

• Approved revised Library Ordinance (5-0)
• Approved National Day of Prayer Proclamation (5-0)
• Approved EMS Week Proclamation (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved audit contract with Gould Killian CPA Group, PA for $75,500 (5-0)
• Approved Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Certification (5-0)
• Approved Juvenile Crime Prevention Council funding for FY 2023-2024 (5-0)
• Adopted Rutherford County Farmland Preservation Plan (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The meeting includes a review of the airport's financial report for July 2022 through March 2023. The Authority will also consider the requested budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

• Review of July 2022–March 2023 airport financial report
• Discussion of the requested 2023-2024 budget
• Approval of March 6, 2023, meeting minutes

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will consider adopting the budget for Fiscal Year 2023–2024. The meeting includes reviews of March 2023 financial and service reports. Program updates will cover Medicaid expansion, child welfare, and economic services.

• Adoption of Fiscal Year 2023–2024 budget
• Review of March 2023 financial report
• Review of March 2023 service report
• Updates on Medicaid expansion and child welfare
• Update on the Economic Services phone system

The Board voted to amend and approve the minutes from the March 15, 2023, meeting to correctly reflect Member Herndon's attendance and votes. The Board also reviewed the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, which includes a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for 143 positions.

• Approved motion to amend March 15, 2023, minutes (4-0)
• Approved March 15, 2023, minutes as amended (4-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a budget meeting with the Rutherford County Board of Education. No other substantive business items are listed on this agenda.

• Budget meeting with Rutherford County Board of Education (ID 23-3428A)

The Rutherford County Board of Education presented a local current expense expansion request of $1,765,984 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The meeting consisted of a presentation and discussion regarding labor costs, teacher supplements, and capital needs; no votes were taken to approve or deny the funding request.

• Approved the meeting agenda (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a budget meeting with the Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees. This item is listed under new business for the April 6, 2023, meeting.

• Budget meeting with Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees

The Board of Commissioners held a special meeting with the Isothermal Community College Board of Trustees. College officials presented budget drivers for 2023-2024, including personnel and utility costs. No formal votes were taken on budget approvals or funding allocations.

• Approved the meeting agenda (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider an agreement with Moseley Architects regarding detention center space needs. The agenda also includes budget amendments and a resolution for a four-way stop in the Town of Bostic.

• Agreement with Moseley Architects for detention center space needs
• Budget amendments
• Four-way stop at West and East Church Streets and Bostic-Sunshine Highway
• School Transportation & Maintenance Facility financing resolution
• Sale of Hamilton Street Property

The Board of Commissioners approved a reimbursement resolution for a new school transportation and maintenance facility and passed budget amendments. Other actions included authorizing a property sale in Forest City and requesting a stop-sign review in Bostic.

• Approved reimbursement resolution for Schools Transportation & Maintenance Facility (4-0)
• Approved budget amendments (4-0)
• Authorized sale of 0 Hamilton Street property to Grahamtown Team for $1,300 (4-0)
• Approved agreement with Moseley Architects for Detention Center space study (4-0)
• Approved resolution asking NCDOT to review four-way stop at Church Streets and Bostic-Sunshine Highway (4-0)
• Approved joint resolution supporting House Bill 115 for school calendar flexibility (4-0)
• Called for a public hearing on the updated Library Ordinance (4-0)
• Approved proclamation for Symphony of Rutherford County Month in May (4-0)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will discuss and vote on a service agreement with Traverse Software. The meeting also includes a question and answer session with Chris Mease.

• Adoption of Traverse Software Service Agreement ID 23-3423
• Question and answer session with Chris Mease

The Board approved a contract for Traverse, a cloud-based document management system, to replace the obsolete Northwoods system. The software includes mobile capabilities for field workers and is HIPAA compliant.

• Approved Traverse Software Contract (3-0)
• Adopted the agenda (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a question and answer session concerning the 2023 property revaluation. The meeting also includes agenda approval.

• 2023 Property Revaluation Question and Answer Session

The Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to address citizen concerns regarding the January 1, 2023, property revaluation. The Board approved a resolution supporting a potential statewide act to postpone the revaluation, which would revert property values to 2019 levels.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved Resolution RES 23-011 supporting an act to postpone the 2023 property revaluation (5-0)

Social Services Board

The board will conduct a budget discussion and review February 2023 financial and service reports. The meeting also includes updates on social work and economic services programs.

• Budget discussion
• February 2023 financial report
• February 2023 service report
• Personnel report
• Social Work and Economic Services program updates

The Board voted to move forward with the Traverse software system to replace their current documentation system. The project involves an upfront professional services cost of $106,285, with approximately half expected to be reimbursed by the State.

• Approved adoption of the agenda (5-0)
• Approved adoption of previous minutes (5-0)
• Approved purchase of Traverse software system (5-0)
• Approved adjournment of meeting (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will consider lease and commercial operations agreements for Blue Ridge Sport Flight, LLC at Hangars 1 and 1A. The meeting also includes a review of airport financials from July 2022 to January 2023.

• Hangar lease agreement for Blue Ridge Sport Flight, LLC (Hangars 1 and 1A)
• Commercial operations agreement for Blue Ridge Sport Flight, LLC (Hangars 1 and 1A)
• Review of airport financial report from July 2022 to January 2023
• Approval of January 9, 2022 minutes

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review budget amendments and the sale of Hamilton Street property. The agenda also includes a presentation on school transportation facilities and resolutions regarding health and science building support.

• Sale of Hamilton Street property
• Budget amendments
• Resolution increasing the micro-purchase threshold
• Rutherford County Vehicle Advertising Policy
• School transportation facility reimbursement resolution

The Board approved settlements with CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Teva, and Allergan regarding opioid litigation. They also increased micro-purchase thresholds for goods and services and approved a new vehicle advertising policy. A reimbursement resolution for a $15 million school transportation facility was tabled.

• Approved participation in opioid litigation settlements with CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Teva, and Allergan (5-0)
• Increased micro-purchase thresholds to $30,000 for supplies/construction and $50,000 for certain services (5-0)
• Approved sale of 0 Hamilton Street property for $1,300 (5-0)
• Approved new Rutherford County Vehicle Advertising Policy (5-0)
• Approved resolution supporting Isothermal Community College Allied Health and Sciences Building (5-0)
• Approved Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments (5-0)
• Tabled reimbursement resolution for $15M school transportation facility (4-1)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will review January 2023 personnel, financial, and service reports. The agenda also includes budget discussions and program updates for social work and economic services.

• January 2023 personnel report
• Budget discussion and January 2023 financial report
• January 2023 service report
• Updates on social work and economic services programs

The Board approved the meeting agenda and previous minutes. The session consisted primarily of reports regarding personnel, budget, and service updates, with no other formal actions taken.

• Adopted the Agenda (5-0)
• Adopted the Minutes (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review budget amendments and a sewer study grant resolution. The agenda also includes reports on real property tax liens and the county's digital inclusion plan. Additionally, the board will address an offer to purchase real estate.

• Budget Amendments
• Sewer Study Grant Resolution (Rutherfordton Spindale American Rescue Plan)
• Report on 2022 Real Property Tax Liens and collection of unpaid taxes (2013-2022)
• Rutherford County Digital Inclusion Plan
• Sale of County Property

The Board adopted the Rutherford County Digital Inclusion Plan and approved the sale of a 5.36-acre parcel to the NCDOT for $17,700. Additionally, the Board authorized a $400,000 grant for a wastewater system feasibility study and approved various budget amendments.

• Approved adoption of the Rutherford County Digital Inclusion Plan (5-0)
• Approved sale of 5.36 acres (parcel #1647934) to NCDOT for $17,700 (5-0)
• Authorized execution of resolution for $400,000 sewer study grant (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved Charge to Collect unpaid taxes from 2013 through 2022 (5-0)
• Authorized one-time advertisement of unpaid taxes between March 1 and May 31, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including Jan 9 minutes and tax refunds (5-0)
• Voted to advertise vacancy for Keep Rutherford County Beautiful Committee (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will conduct a budget discussion and review December 2022 financial and service reports. The meeting also includes updates on social work and economic services programs.

• Budget discussion
• December 2022 financial report
• December 2022 service report
• Personnel report from December 11, 2022
• Program updates for social work and economic services

The Board agreed to move forward with secure County email addresses to comply with public records requests. Members discussed whether to use County-issued iPads, iPhones, or web-based access to conduct business. No other substantive policy decisions were made.

• Adopted the agenda (4-0)
• Adopted the minutes (4-0)
• Agreed to move forward with secure County email addresses
• Entered closed session (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the 5311 Grant for Transportation Services. The agenda also includes budget amendments, the 2023-2024 budget calendar, and appointments to local boards.

• Public Hearing: 5311 Grant for Transportation Services
• Budget Amendments
• 2023-2024 Budget Calendar
• Notice of Intent to Amend Broad River Water Authority Bylaws
• NCDOT Paved Trail and Sidewalk Feasibility Study Program Grant Application

The Board approved a resolution to apply for NCDOT grant funds totaling $737,061 for transportation administrative and capital expenses. Other actions included approving budget amendments, a 2023-2024 budget calendar, and a feasibility study grant for a paved trail to Ellenboro.

• Approved grant application for transportation services totaling $737,061 (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved 2023-2024 budget calendar (5-0)
• Approved resolution for NCDOT Paved Trail and Sidewalk Feasibility Study Program grant (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Michael Benfield as Chairman of the 2023 Board of Equalization and Review (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including tax refunds and releases (5-0)
• Accepted financial compilations for volunteer fire departments (5-0)
• Decided to advertise and accept applications for Foothills Regional Commission Board vacancy (5-0)

Rutherford County Airport Authority

The Rutherford County Airport Authority will elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman. The board will also review bid results for the airport lighting rehab project and examine financial reports from July through November 2022.

• Election of Chairman
• Election of Vice Chairman
• Bid results and recommendations for airport lighting rehab project
• Approval of November 7, 2022 meeting minutes
• Review of July 2022–November 2022 financial report